Hitches; Trailer Components; Bunk Supports; Tongue - Four winns Horizon Owner's Manual

NOTICE
DO NOT overload your trailer by placing cam-
ping gear or other heavy equipment in the boat.
DO NOT exceed the GVWR rating. Damage to
the hitch, coupler, or trailer may occur.
Improper weight distribution can place excessive strain
on the towing vehicle and trailer. It can also cause the
trailer to “fishtail” (sway side to side). Be sure gear and
other items are distributed evenly in the boat.
C. Hitches
The load-carrying capacity of trailer hitches will vary be-
tween manufacturers and must equal or exceed the
GVWR. Four Winns® trailers use surge disc brake sys-
tems and require a fixed hitch. Refer to Section R-2E
Surge Disc Brakes for more information.
Before hitching the trailer to the vehicle, make sure the
proper size hitch ball is installed to match the coupler.
Please refer to the coupler or actuator on the trailer for
ball size. Four Winns 180 Horizon®, 190 Horizon® and
200 Horizon® trailers require a 2" diameter ball hitch.
Refer to Section R-3 Operation for additional informa-
tion on hitches. Also, consult your Four Winns dealer
for recommendations before purchasing a trailer hitch
for your towing vehicle.
To help guard against a sudden failure while in
use, do not use a worn hitch ball. Replace
all worn or damaged parts.
R - 2

TRAILER COMPONENTS

A. Bunk Supports
All bunk boards are made of pressure treated wood. This
wood is rot resistant. All boards are covered with a high
quality exterior grade carpet to protect the boat from dam-
age during normal use.
Bunk supports run parallel to the keel and support the
hull, extending beyond the transom. See Figure R1.
180/190/200 Horizon
Owner’s Manual
08/01
Figure R1: Trailer Bunks
Outer bunk supports provide stability for the boat. The
inside bunks are the main weight bearing members. Side
guide-on supports help to keep the boat straight while
driving the boat onto the trailer. Keeping the tie-downs
tightly fastened will prevent the boat from bouncing
against the bunk supports.
NOTICE
Improper trailer setup can cause hull damage.
B. Tongue
Four Winns® trailers are designed with tongue weights
between 5% and 10% of the total weight of the boat,
fuel, gear and trailer. If the downward weight on the
coupling ball does not fall within this range, coupler fail-
ure and towing instability may occur. If using another
manufacturer’s trailer, have the dealer check the tongue
weight before trailering.
NOTICE
DO NOT use a bent or damaged tongue or cou-
pler. Replacement parts may be ordered
through a Four Winns dealer.
The trailer tongue is hinged on our painted trailers and
removable on our galvanized trailers. This allows for
easier storage. The tongue is attached with two clevis
pins with locking hair pins to the trailer frame. Refer to
Figure R2.
Section R
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